Secondary students escape injury after bus fire on M7

Students from a secondary school in Co Clare had their school tour delayed when the bus they were travelling in caught fire on the M7 in Co Laois.

The teenagers, from St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee, were on their way to Emerald Park in Co Meath when the blaze occurred shortly after 8am.

The driver has been credited with bringing the students to safety after the fire took hold at the back of the bus.

Emergency services attended the scene on the Dublin-bound carriageway of the M7 between the Roscrea and Borris-in-Ossory junctions.

Gardaí say that no passengers were injured.

Both sides of the M7 were closed to traffic as firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The motorway has since opened to traffic.

It is understood that another coach collected the students and brought them to the theme park.

Principal Rita Hehir said the school was "delighted to report that all students, the bus driver and staff are safe and nobody was injured.

"We would like to thank all services involved for dealing with the incident promptly and organising alternative transport to continue the trip.

"Students arrived to Emerald Park and are enjoying their day out as planned."